Sandwich structures balsa core materials

For obtaining a low -weight, high-bending-stiffness structure, sandwich constructions are a conunon choice for composite components. To make a sandwich, low-density materials are inserted as sandwich cores between two faces of the structural material itself (so in this case between two stacks of prepreg plies). Commonly used core materials are plastic foams (for example, made from PVC, PS, or PET) and balsa wood. Examples of core materials for more sophisticated, structured sandwich cores are honeycombs (made from aluminium, or resin-impregnated paper sheets), or fibre-reinforced foams. 

The primary flmction of a core in structural sandwich parts is that of stabilizing the facings and carrying most of the shear loads through the thickness. In order to perform this task efficiently, the core must be as rigid and as light as possible, and must deliver uniformly predictable properties in the environment and meet performance requirements. Several different materials are used such as plastic foam, honeycomb [using RP, film (plastic, steel, aluminum, paper, etc.), balsa wood, etc.]. 

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